Hasty Farewell: A Goodbye from the Car and the Return Home
He stepped out of the vehicle, gave his lover a tender parting hug, then headed for his house. On arriving he lingered a moment by the building, weighing how to tell his wife everything. He climbed the stairs and unlocked the front door.
Hello Duarte said. Are you home, Beatriz?
I am his wife replied, indifferent. Hello. Should I start frying the steaks now?
Duarte promised himself he would act plainlyconfidently and firmly, as a man ought to. It was time to end his double life before the lovers kisses grew cold, before the monotony of daily routine swallowed him again.
Beatriz Duarte cleared his throat , Im here to tell you we have to part.
Beatriz received the news with a surprisingly calm demeanor. She was never easy to unsettle, which is why Duarte affectionately called her Cold Beatriz.
Seriously? Beatriz asked from the kitchen doorway. So you dont want me to fry the steaks?
Whatever you prefer Duarte replied. Fry them if you wish, skip them if you dont. Im leaving; Im with someone else.
Most wives would have thrown something at him after such a statement, but Beatriz was not among the majority.
Yes, you and your quirks she retorted. Did you bring my boots from the repair shop?
No Duarte stammered. If that matters to you, I can fetch them right now!
Ah, Duarte Beatriz murmured. When you send a fool to get boots, you end up with the old ones back.
Duarte felt insulted. The breakup announcement was devoid of the drama he expected; it was completely flat. But what could he expect from a wife nicknamed Cold Beatriz?
Beatriz, youre not listening! Duarte shouted. Im out the door. Ill live with another woman and you keep talking about boots!
Fine Beatriz answered. Unlike me, you may go wherever you like. Your boots arent in the shop. You have no chains holding you.
They had shared a long life together, yet Duarte still couldnt tell whether his wife was being sincere or sarcastic. He had fallen for Beatriz once because of her gentle nature, her conflictavoidance, and her succinct speech. Her domestic skills and physical charm had also sealed the deal.
Beatriz was secure, loyal, and icylike a ships anchor. But now Duarte loved another: a burning, forbidden, sweet passion! It was time to tie up loose ends and start anew.
Beatriz, thank you for everything, but Im leaving because I love another woman, not you.
What a surprise! Beatriz exclaimed. You dont love me, how novel! My mother adored the neighbour, my father loved dominoes and wine. So what? Look at what Ive become.
Duarte knew arguing with Beatriz was a losing battle; every word she uttered felt weighty. His initial resolve faded and he avoided a quarrel.
Youre wonderful, Beatriz he said resignedly. But I love someone else, fiercely and illicitly. I intend to go, understand?
Someone else? she asked. Isabel Figueira?
Duarte recoiled. A year earlier he had indeed had a secret affair with Isabel, but he never imagined Beatriz knew.
How could you know? he began, then stopped. It doesnt matter. It isnt Isabel.
Beatriz yawned.
Maybe Sofia Almeida? Are you planning to join her?
Duarte felt a chill. He had also been involved with Sofia, but that was past. If Beatriz knew, why hadnt she spoken? Of course, she was steelhearted; nothing would make her talk.
No, its neither Sofia nor Isabel. Its another woman, the one who fulfills my dreams. I cant live without her and Im set on leaving. Dont try to stop me!
Then it must be Sónia Beatriz muttered. Ah, Duarte what a poorly kept secret! Your dream woman is Sónia Henriques. Thirtyfive years old, a child, two abortions right?
Duarte clutched his head. She hit the nail on the head! He really was seeing Sónia Henriques.
How did you know? Duarte stammered. Did someone tip you off? Were you following me?
Simple, Duarte Beatriz replied. Im a gynecologist and Ive examined almost every woman in this town, while youve only seen a few. I saw enough to catch you with someone else!
Duarte regained his composure.
Suppose youre right! Even if its Sónia, nothing changes. Im going with her.
Ignorant you are, Duarte Beatriz said. You could at least have asked me first! Besides, theres nothing special about Sónia; shes like the others, and I know that as a doctor. Have you looked at your muses medical history?
Nno Duarte admitted.
Then do this immediately: take a shower. Tomorrow Ill speak with Dr. Oliveira and hell see you at the health post without waiting Beatriz instructed. Afterwards well talk. Its odd for a doctors husband not to choose a healthy partner!
What should I do? Duarte asked, despondent.
Ill fry the steaks Beatriz answered. You go shower and do as you wish. If youre hunting a perfect muse, no problem, talk to me; I can recommend
